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How Important Is The Office?

By Rian Muleback

Real Estate Agent with Encore Realty

January 09, 2008 05:59 AM

I have noticed that in the past few months most of the Realtors in my office have not been here. I understand things can be tough during Christmas break with having the kids at home, and the extra hours at daycare add up quick. So maybe staying home to save some money is what some of them have decided to do. The thing of it is, most have been away for a few months. For me, the office is a great place. The interaction between the other agents and myself is a great motivator for me. I have learned so much from them. One of the best tools for me is listening to them on the phone. It has taught me so much about handling different situations and different approachs that can be taken to solve the same problem. So my question to you is, how important is the office to you? Can you be just as effective working from home as you are when you go to the office?

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Heather Fitzgerald

REALTY WORLD-Harbert Company, Inc. - Greenwood, IN

REALTOR Greenwood Indiana Real Estate

I like the motivation that can come from being in an office enviornment! It is nice when you have a choice, but I am way more productive in the office.

Jan 09, 2008 06:01 AM

License Retired

Lebanon, TN

I tend to agree. I've tried both the "real" office and the home office; I do better in the real one. I spend more time on contacts, more time working on the 'net (no, NOT playing solitaire), and more time with the door closed, reading real estate information.

I tend to think a lot of the negative view of being in the office stems from the correct view in the past that "you're not going to sell to other REALTORs". It true that you can waste your time in the office just like anywhere else, but you can also use it very wisely.

Jan 09, 2008 06:14 AM

Kim Peasley-Parker

AgentOwned Realty, Heritage Group, Inc. - Sumter, SC

I worked in an office where I was the only agent that there was there consistantly. I decided to leave that office and I am currently working from home until my new company secures their office in my town. With that being said, sometimes it is so nice to be home and have a no whining zone. Other days, I think I could use the structure of the office. I am getting a lot of work done at home though, seems like probably more than when I was in the office. Yes, there is a place for the office, but I am finding that I might not have to be there all the time the doors are open unless I was showing. As for not showing up at all, I do think agents that spend more time in the office consistently do have more business.

Jan 09, 2008 06:17 AM

Gregory Maley

Sold Buy the Sea Realty & R.E.N.T. - Wilmington, NC

REALTOR, GRI, CBR, SHS, e-PRO, ABR

I can work at the "office" as long as there's a door to close. I can't stand the constant whining of agents who have nothing to do. Then there are the agents who bring their children to the office and allow them to run up and down the hallways screaming. I'm more productive at home.

Jan 09, 2008 06:21 AM

Rian Muleback

Encore Realty - Gresham, OR

Gresham Oregon Real Estate

Wow Gregory. Children running up and down the hallways of the office screaming? I am suprised that is allowed at your office. Just a suggestion, but have you brought that issue up with the principal broker? That is enough to drive anyone insane!! As for whiny agents, they are everywhere and I prefer to ignore them or ask them a ton of questions about why they are so whiny. Helps me learn what not to do.

Jan 09, 2008 06:26 AM

Don't worry Rian. I'm not a shrinking violet. When I don't like something, the broker knows it. ;-p It has gotten better, I still prefer to work at home. Good strategy for dealing with the whiners though.

Jan 09, 2008 06:29 AM

Susan Trombley

Trombley Real Estate - Wake Forest, NC

Broker/Realtor, Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Youngs

It is different in our office. We have the advantage to not have an office desk and use our home so we are less likely to be in the office anyway.

Jan 09, 2008 06:30 AM

Debbie Malone

Londeree's Real Estate & Property Management - Lynchburg, VA

From Lynchburg To The Lake (434) 546-0369

I tried splitting my time between the office and home, but decided to move home. I didn't have my own computer at the office and I can get more done here. I go into the office for coaching classes and if I'm meeting a client I don't know, otherwise, I'll have them come to the house.

Jan 09, 2008 06:59 AM

Carol Culkin

Diamond Partners Inc - Overland Park, KS

Overland Park Residential Real Estate

I don't do much floor time. I pop inot the office occasionally - still I have been leading th office in sales for 4 years. I work from home where there are less distractions and I can be more productive.

Jan 09, 2008 07:18 AM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Rian,

We just had a seminar today, with a panel from our local MLS, and one panelist (past president) told the REALTORS in the audience to get out of the office to make money. I'm with you; I prefer doing the work in an office instead of from home, but I get out in the trenches to dig up transactions.

Mike in Tucson

Jan 09, 2008 09:11 AM

Good point Mike. Getting out of the office is important, I just wonder where all the agents in my office have been. They don't seem to be making sales or getting listings. But hey, I have enough to worry about right? LOL. Thank you for all of the feedback as I have always wondered agents thoughts on this.

Jan 09, 2008 09:59 AM

How Important Is The Office?

Comments(11)

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